The problem with job retraining programs is that very few factor in the art of finding job champions as they begin their instruction. According to Joshua Shipsey, the founder of cardboardresume.com, a job champion is someone who can help someone find contacts within his or her industry.

With 1.4 billion in federal stimulus pending, it’s time for the managers of these workforce programs to call upon former industry leaders to help build a network of job champions for those who want to enter a specific industry.

Even armed with the latest data from the Department of Labor, workers need a job champion to help them build a network within their chosen industry. There are thousands of these semi-retired executives who want to help people, but it will take the initiative of those with the funding to help connect their students with folks who can help them.